Technical Assistant (Translator) - Palabora Copper at Palabora Mining Company (PMC)

Job Description

• The Technical Assistant role will act as an executive assistant by supporting the CEO as a linguistics specialist (Mandarin and English), providing administrative and organisational support function. The role will perform duties such as translating verbal and written communication, day to day interpretation services at all assigned sessions and meetings at operational as well as Board level, as required by the CEO during his tenure in South Africa.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Providing translation and interpretation services: translating written and verbal communications from Mandarin to English and vice versa-ensuring accuracy, clarity and cultural appropriateness.
• Attending discussions, workshops, meetings to perform translating and interpreting services.
• Collecting/Compiling/Preparing data as requested, e.g.: Information, files, documents, reports and presentations and translating them to either Mandarin or English and vice versa, for use by the CEO and/ or audience identified by the CEO.
• Drafting reports and presentations in Mandarin for HBIS executives and Chinese government officials.
• Handling sensitive information with discretion during translation.
• Ensuring correctness of interpreting conversations without changing the context in which the message was given.
• Identify terminology and words with conflicting meanings to determine which alternative provides clarity and reflects the original purpose of the message imparting emotions and tone of speakers.
• Utilise appropriate interpretation Modes either simultaneous/consecutive or multi-mode whether face-to-face, telephonically or written as required by the situation within a multicultural and multidisciplinary team environment, to counter cultural and language barriers.
• Performs all other reasonable duties, as required, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the CEO office and business, as assigned.

Intrinsic Qualities:

• Negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Good communication, presentation & facilitation Skills
• Ability to work cooperatively with others.
• Flexible work attitude.
• Safety leadership

Qualifications & Experience:

• National Diploma/B Degree in Translating/ or Linguistics/ or an Equivalent Qualification (must be Mandarin and English)
• Certification at SATI will be advantageous
• At least 5 years’ proven experience in translation work